Development of new therapies for neuroblastoma

Division Of Basic Sciences - Nci

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

Harnessing tumor-targeting antibodies and NK cell activity in pediatric solid tumors: We developed immunocytokines and demonstrated that they have anti-neuroblastoma activity in preclinical models. We are in the process of translating our findings from these studies into a CTEP-sponsored trial in the POB. Developing cellular immunotherapies for neuroblastoma: We optimized a GPC2-targeted CAR T-cell therapy for the treatment of neuroblastoma. This work is actively being translated into an investigator-initiated first-in-human clinical trial for patients with neuroblastoma in the POB. To further optimize CAR T cell therapy, our laboratory focuses on CAR engineering to manipulate the CAR structure, conditionally alter CAR expression, and exploit the use of transgenic cytokines. We use genome-wide CRISPR screens to understand the mechanisms of tumor response to and evasion from adoptive CAR T therapy. Altogether, these efforts are geared towards finding new adoptive therapies to treat patients with neuroblastoma.